Many people who were raised in a Christian household, attended Sunday School, and have never killed anybody, think they will go to Heaven when they die. To even begin to have an encounter with God, it is necessary to become baptized, and by baptized it means immersed in water. This is what it means to become "born again."
The truth is, being born into a Christian family doesn't make anyone a Christian any more than swimming in the ocean makes them a fish. Baptism by complete immersion in water is compulsory. Even Jesus was baptized. Just believing in God isn't enough. The devil and his minions believe in God. To be a true Christian, it is necessary to be water baptized in front of witnesses, at least one, and make a pledge to live a sinless life.
This important step has more benefits than just getting a ticket to Heaven. It also carries with it responsibilities. By declaring Jesus as your Saviour, you are pledging to turn your back on sin. God expects an extremely high standard of behavior, so this includes giving up lying, swearing, smoking, alcohol, drugs and even gossiping.
Being good doesn't come easy, even to born again Christians. That is why God sent us the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18), to put us through boot camp to become ready for Heaven. He gets right down to the DNA and makes us better, more righteous people. He changes our feelings and our actions.
Over time, people with the Holy Spirit start to change. Jokes that were once hilarious suddenly seem tacky and offensive. The urge to smoke, drink or use drugs starts to fade. People become calmer and more forgiving. Computer games and gambling give way to reading the Bible and spending time in prayer.
Christians also fast in order to become closer to the Creator. There is no specific time of year for a fast and it can be done as an individual or along with others in a Bible study group or church. There are two types of Christian fast. The first, and most conventional, is the water fast. Under this regime, nothing is consumed between the hours of six am and six pm apart from water or maybe very dilute fruit juice. Prayer and Bible reading are essential during the fasting period; otherwise, it's just a calorie-controlled diet.
On a Daniel fast, rice cakes, wholemeal rice and wholemeal tortilla wraps are permitted, as is wholemeal pasta. Again, this fasting regime must be accompanied by prayer and Bible-reading in order to feel the full spiritual effects.
Another essential Christian practice toward an encounter with God is the act of tithing, or giving ten percent of one's income to God, from whom all blessings flow. It is practical to donate to one's local church.
The truth is, being born into a Christian family doesn't make anyone a Christian any more than swimming in the ocean makes them a fish. Baptism by complete immersion in water is compulsory. Even Jesus was baptized. Just believing in God isn't enough. The devil and his minions believe in God. To be a true Christian, it is necessary to be water baptized in front of witnesses, at least one, and make a pledge to live a sinless life.
This important step has more benefits than just getting a ticket to Heaven. It also carries with it responsibilities. By declaring Jesus as your Saviour, you are pledging to turn your back on sin. God expects an extremely high standard of behavior, so this includes giving up lying, swearing, smoking, alcohol, drugs and even gossiping.
Being good doesn't come easy, even to born again Christians. That is why God sent us the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-18), to put us through boot camp to become ready for Heaven. He gets right down to the DNA and makes us better, more righteous people. He changes our feelings and our actions.
Over time, people with the Holy Spirit start to change. Jokes that were once hilarious suddenly seem tacky and offensive. The urge to smoke, drink or use drugs starts to fade. People become calmer and more forgiving. Computer games and gambling give way to reading the Bible and spending time in prayer.
Christians also fast in order to become closer to the Creator. There is no specific time of year for a fast and it can be done as an individual or along with others in a Bible study group or church. There are two types of Christian fast. The first, and most conventional, is the water fast. Under this regime, nothing is consumed between the hours of six am and six pm apart from water or maybe very dilute fruit juice. Prayer and Bible reading are essential during the fasting period; otherwise, it's just a calorie-controlled diet.
On a Daniel fast, rice cakes, wholemeal rice and wholemeal tortilla wraps are permitted, as is wholemeal pasta. Again, this fasting regime must be accompanied by prayer and Bible-reading in order to feel the full spiritual effects.
Another essential Christian practice toward an encounter with God is the act of tithing, or giving ten percent of one's income to God, from whom all blessings flow. It is practical to donate to one's local church.
No comments :
Post a Comment